We’re entering a world where artificial intelligence doesn’t just assist with tasks, it shapes how we learn, communicate, and understand the world around us. For today’s youth, growing up with AI is their norm. From chatbot tutors and personalized content feeds to algorithmic decision-making in games and social media, AI quietly weaves itself into every aspect of daily life.
But while technology continues to evolve, the question remains: how are we preparing the next generation to navigate this new reality responsibly?
For many families, the answer begins at home. The role of parents has expanded beyond teaching safe internet practices—they now have to raise children who can critically engage with intelligent systems that influence their thinking and behavior in subtle ways.
“The world is transitioning into an online-first reality, where AI shapes everything from the information we consume to the decisions we make. As parents, it’s no longer just about teaching kids how to use technology, it’s about guiding them to understand it,” says Linsey Lunny, CEO of Hidden Strength. “AI can be an incredible tool, but only if young people learn to question what they see, recognize bias, and use it responsibly.”
The rapid integration of AI into educational settings is one example. Tools that tailor content to a child’s learning style can be empowering, offering new ways to engage students and boost performance. However, these systems also collect data, make inferences, and subtly influence how kids perceive knowledge and authority.
That’s why Lunny and other experts emphasize the importance of teaching digital literacy from a young age. It’s not enough to warn kids about screen time or unsafe websites. Children need to be taught how algorithms work, how data is collected, and how to spot manipulation or misinformation.
“Just as we teach children to look both ways before crossing the street, we must teach them to navigate AI with caution and awareness,” Lunny says. “That means protecting their digital footprint, helping them discern fact from fiction, and ensuring they don’t fall victim to the darker corners of the internet. Responsible AI use starts at home, with open conversations, critical thinking, and a commitment to keeping our children both informed and safe.”
Studies have shown that most young people encounter AI long before they understand what it is. From smart speakers to curated YouTube recommendations, many children are unaware that behind these tools lie complex algorithms that are not neutral. These systems are designed to maximize engagement—not necessarily to inform or educate.
That’s why digital parenting needs a proactive approach. Engaging in conversations about how AI works, what it knows, what it assumes, and what it can get wrong, builds the foundation for better decision-making later in life. The goal isn’t to create fear around technology, but to foster healthy skepticism.
“Teaching kids about AI should be approached with curiosity, not fear. Encourage them to ask how AI works, challenge what they see online, and think critically about the information they consume,” Lunny advises. “Set digital boundaries, explore AI tools together, and remind them: AI is a tool, not a truth.”
This kind of guidance is especially vital as children begin to interact with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, image generators, or video filters that blur the line between real and artificial. As these technologies become more accessible, the ability to tell facts from fabrication becomes not just helpful, but essential.
Parents don’t need to be tech experts to make a difference. What matters is staying engaged, asking questions, and encouraging dialogue. Just as literacy was a cornerstone of parenting in the past century, algorithmic literacy may be one of the defining skills of this one.
Ultimately, preparing children for the AI era isn’t about shielding them from it. It’s about empowering them to navigate it with confidence, awareness, and integrity. And that education starts with the people they trust most.
